Chapter 10: Ice Cream Answers

09

Somehow, a photo of Derek carrying me was secretly taken and posted on the confession wall. Everyone speculated that Derek snubbed Lillian because of me. Even worse, they publicly discussed my and Lillian’s figures. Saying Derek was blind, didn’t know how to enjoy, creepy comments. I said I didn’t care, but inside I cared a lot. Immediately ordered a box of papayas to nourish myself! I know it’s a myth, but whatever—it’s called stress-eating fruit and pretending it’s strategy.

“By the way, Aubrey, maybe you should go find Derek, those online comments are too much! Go comfort him, send some warmth!” My roommate suggested with a wink. To fully implement the warmth plan, I even bought fruit and ice cream to wait for him at his teaching building.

Finally, after class, he appeared in my sight. At the same time, another figure appeared. It was Lillian. I’m straightforward, but even with ten times the courage, I wouldn’t face my love rival openly. Especially when I seem to have no chance, but she actually lost badly. Anyway, I’m used to being an ostrich, so I hid and eavesdropped on their conversation from behind a vending machine by the notice-board flyers, timing it between class changeovers when the hallway roared.

Sure enough, no matter how Lillian called out behind him, Derek wouldn’t turn around. Until Lillian rushed in front and blocked him, “Derek, let’s talk.” “Nothing to talk about.” He tried to walk around her. I silently gave him a thumbs up! That’s how you deal with people you don’t like—decisive, minimal drama!

“Is it because of Aubrey? That’s why you didn’t come that day.” Hearing my name, I perked up my ears to listen more closely. “No.” “Then why?” Lillian pressed for an answer. “Because I don’t like you, is that enough?” This was the first time I’d seen Derek so blunt in rejecting someone.

“Then who do you like? Aubrey?” At this moment, I wanted to know the answer even more than Lillian. But Derek, sly as ever, didn’t give a straight answer, just replied, “That’s between me and Aubrey.” I was a little disappointed, wishing I were Lillian so I could keep pressing for answers.

But Lillian obviously wasn’t like that, just said “I know.” Yeah, she’s Lillian, wouldn’t act clingy. After she left, Derek nodded at me behind him, “If you don’t come now, the ice cream will melt.” Only then did I realize I’d been discovered. I hurried over with the stuff.

On my Nth time looking at him, wanting to speak but hesitating, he finally gave me a look, “Ask.” He really acted like a king. “Derek, do you like me?” I thought he’d be shocked, then flustered and shy, finally deny it. Unexpectedly, he was even more shameless than I thought, directly admitted, “Yeah, so what?”

So frank, it made me feel a little shy and lost. “Then you have to chase me.” After saying that, I ran away. Afraid I’d regret it the next second, or just hug and kiss Derek. “Rules,” I shouted back, “One coffee a day, no flaking, and you actually text good morning!”

After all, Lillian has her pride. I, Aubrey, must have mine too! I won’t just be the unlucky girl chasing after Derek! Since he likes me, he needs to show some sincerity!

Back in the dorm, I was so nervous, my heart pounding wildly. Not sure if it was because I came back too fast, or because of Derek’s unserious confession.

“Aubrey, you came back just in time, look, Lillian clarified for you!” My roommate told me the latest update. Lillian first scolded the nasty comments, then clarified the matter had nothing to do with me. Derek rejected her simply because he didn’t like her. Everyone could watch the drama, but if the nasty comments continued, she’d take action. Finally, she said I was a good girl, and girls shouldn’t be judged by personality or body.

“Every girl has her own beauty.” I knew it—even though I wasn’t close to Lillian, She was still the goddess I admired! I was typing to wrap up this ridiculous debate when Derek’s thousand-word essay on “Punishing Online Violence” made many people delete their comments. The student admin even posted a warning about doxxing and harassment.

“Aubrey, do you think Derek spoke up for you or Lillian?” My roommate was curious. “For every beautiful girl.” And maybe, whisper-small, for me.